The Crown Prosecution Service announced last year that none of the 60-plus officers investigated under Lancet - which looked into alleged malpractice in Middlesbrough CID - would face criminal charges.

The inquiry, supervised by the Police Complaints Authority, was launched in 1997 to probe claims that officers were assaulting prisoners and handing out drugs for information.

Official figures show the inquiry has cost just over £3m, although critics say the true figure has already topped £7m and is continuing to climb as the spin-off Operation Eagle looks at breaches of the police discipline code.

So far, 13 officers have been charged with disciplinary offences. However Insp White is unlikely to face a disciplinary hearing until next year at the earliest.

A former right-hand man to former Middlesbrough crime manager Ray Mallon, the then Detective Inspector White quit his post in Middlesbrough CID in 1998.

Mr Mallon was required to resign from the force in February this year after admitting 14 discipline offences.

He subsequently became Middlesbrough's first elected mayor.

After returning to uniform, Inspector White has been in charge of operational policing in Thornaby and Yarm.

In the past three years he has spearheaded a number of high-profile operations against drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour in the area. He also led the successful hunt for Soldier David, the poison pen letter writer who terrorised businesses and schools in Thornaby.

He said: "I am not allowed to comment on disciplinary charges.

"The matter is now in the hands of the Police Federation and my legal advisors and I will defend the charges vigorously.

"No doubt the truth will come out in due course. In the meantime I will carry out my duties in Thornaby and Yarm where I believe I will continue to do a good job."

One colleague told the Gazette: "Before Colin White arrived at Middlesbrough in 1996, there was no informant system at all. He was in the process of creating that system, which is the opposite of neglect of duty.

"These offences are supposed to have happened five years ago and Colin has not been interviewed for over two years."

A spokesman for the Police Complaints Authority said: "I can confirm that an inspector has been charged with 16 disciplinary offences.

"They comprise 13 charges of neglect of duty and three of disobedience to orders. It will now be up to Cleveland Police to arrange a hearing."

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "We can confirm an officer has been charged with a number of discipline offences.

"This is a private matter between employer and employee and we have no further comment to make."